Mayors from several municipalities in the northwestern department of Caldas, which has long been a popular site for mining operations, reported an increase in illegal mining and the spreading influence of armed groups in the region.
Hector Jaime Osorio, Mayor of Marmato, claimed the abandonment of mines in the small town by Canadian-based gold company Gran Colombia has increased lawlessness in the area and generated poverty among residents who counted on the mining operation for work. Gran Colombia acquired the mines in Marmato two years ago and have thus far failed to define the scope of their planned operation. The gold-mining company has yet to meet safety standards and other recommendations made by municipal mining officials, according to the mayor.
Six miners have reportedly died in mining operations in the last six months in the department of Caldas.